Lieutenant-Governor at Vimy Ridge parade

Alberta Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell was the reviewing officer for the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 in the Edmonton Garrison Lecture Training Facility Drill Hall.  More than 300 Army Cadets from 17 corps across northern and central Alberta gathered participated in the ceremony. This commemoration marked the 99^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge that began on April 9, 1917. Photos by Grant Cree.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell (centre) inspects more than 300 army cadets on April 10, 2016 during the Vimy Ridge parade at Edmonton Garrison. 

Other dignitaries at the parade included Brigadier-General Wayne Eyre, Commander of 3^rd Canadian Division; Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel J’Lyn Nye of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron; and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Gord Steinke of 15 Field Ambulance. Military musicians with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band performed during the afternoon event. The Vimy Ridge parade was organized by the Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta).

Photos © grantcree.ca.   

Lieutenant-Governore Lois Mitchell delivers a speech during the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison where more than 300 army cadets participated in the afternoon event.

Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell (left) stands at the dais as more than 300 army cadets march past during the Vimy Ridge parade on April 10, 2016 at Edmonton Garrison.

Cover page (again!) in Edmonton Senior

Excited to have one of my photos on the cover page of Edmonton Senior newspaper this month!  I had fun covering the St. Patrick’s Day event and get some terrific people. 

Also had two other stories published in the same edition: “Cathy King: Queen of the Ice” and “Memory Care Wing Unveiled at Touchmark”.

For those who don’t follow curling, Cathy King and her team represented Alberta at the national championships earlier this month in Digby, Nova Scota.  

My other story features David Troxel, the guest speaker at the grand opening of a new memory care facility in Touchmark at Wedgewood in Edmonton.  Troxel co-wrote A Dignified Life in 2012, and the book is considered mandatory reading by caregivers around the world.

To learn more, you can pick up a (free) copy of Edmonton Senior newspaper at newsstands in most large grocery stores, such as Sobeys and Safeway.

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228

Love Letters 2 Strangers

Several volunteers with the non-profit group Love Letters 2 Strangers gathered on Saturday, April 2 in the Edmonton Meals on Wheels facility for a special occasion.  They spent several hours crafting letters notes and cards that were soon distributed to seniors, people with disabilities and the homebound.  The folks who will receive these gifts from the heart utilize Meals on Wheels, and appreciate the kind words of encouragement. 

Love Letters 2 Strangers was founded by Ashley Green, 27, who is pictured above.  “I just woke up one day and decided that I had to do this,” she explained.  “I know that these love letters are small, but I never doubt that each one of them has the potential for greatness.”

Ashley Green, founder of Love Letters 2 Strangers, at the workshop

The letters were included in the meal boxes sent every day to clients.  Those involved report these signs of gratitude have tremendous health benefits for those who receive them.

“It’s important for the physical and mental health of our clients to know they are not forgotten about,” said Liz Tondu, Executive Director of Edmonton Meals on Wheels.  “These gestures can help reduce our clients’ feelings of isolation and loneliness, leading to a greater sense of safety and confidence in their aging process.”

Volunteers with Love Letters 2 Strangers display their gifts from the heart. 

Grant Cree is an Edmonton-based photojournalist focusing on photo and video event coverage to help clients connect with their audiences. www.grantcree.ca  780-940-3228